Manchester United’s midfield department has previously been their strongest area of the squad, but Michael Carrick has been craving added reinforcements in such a department.
The likes of Paul Scholes, David Beckham and Nicky Butt were part of the iconic Class of 92 and helped the Red Devils become one of Europe’s most dominant forces.
Even last season, Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes were arguably two of the Premier League’s biggest stars – subsequently helping the club secure a third-place finish.
However, the former member of the duo has now departed Old Trafford upon the expiration of his contract, which has undoubtedly left a huge hole at the heart of Carrick’s side.
Work has already been conducted to bolster the midfield department in recent weeks, with high hopes being generated among the fan base after the arrival of one player.
How Tielemans compares to other Premier League midfelders
As part of the summer recruitment drive at Old Trafford, United completed the £35m signing of midfielder Youri Tielemans from fellow Premier League outfit Aston Villa.
The deal for the Belgian international came out of the blue, but it’s a move which has seen a proven option from England’s top-flight make the move to Carrick’s side.
The 29-year-old has featured in such a division since the summer of 2019, but how did he compare to other players in his position for the 2025/26 campaign?
In possession, Tielemans has gained a reputation for being a top-level operator, with his tally of 1.6 chances created per 90 highlighting his quality with the ball at his feet.
|
Youri Tielemans – Aston Villa record |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics |
Tally |
|
Games played |
133 |
|
Goals scored |
10 |
|
Assists |
25 |
|
Yellow cards |
13 |
|
Minutes played |
9797 |
|
Trophies won |
1x |
The aforementioned figure ranked him in the top 15% of all midfielders in England’s top-flight, which could see him be a conductor for Carrick’s side in possession next term.
However, Casemiro’s departure has heightened the need for a ball-winner at the heart of the side – with the Belgian a player who can certainly offer a solid option in that regard.
Throughout the 2025/26 campaign, the former Villa man made 2.3 tackles per 90, whilst coming out on top of 60% of his ground duels – both placing him above 90% of players in the division.
Why Man Utd’s £42m target is perfect for Tielemans
Despite completing moves for Tielemans and Andrey Santos already this summer, INEOS and Carrick are on the hunt for a third summer midfield addition.
Countless big-money talents have been linked with a move to join the Red Devils, but players such as Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali have already completed moves to other Premier League clubs.
As a result, the hierarchy have had to extend their hunt across Europe, subsequently leading to Roma star Manu Kone appearing as a top contender for United this window.
It’s been reported by Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport that Carrick’s men are set to make an offer for the French international, who is currently valued at around the €50m (£42m) mark.
The report also claims the player himself would be open to a switch to Old Trafford, but no move can be completed until a fee is agreed between the two clubs.
Whilst no deal has yet been agreed for the 25-year-old this window, it’s evident United see Kone as a key transfer target and one who could complete their midfield overhaul.
His stats from the ongoing World Cup highlight his tremendous ball-winning ability, which could make the French star the perfect addition for Tielemans this summer.
The Frenchman featured five times during the tournament in America and managed to make a staggering 5.8 ball recoveries and 1.6 tackles per 90.
Both of the aforementioned figures highlight his tremendous ball-winning ability – something which will allow Tielemans to focus on his work in possession and create carnage in forward areas.
Kone also managed to win 4.2 ground duels and was only dribbled past 0.4 times per 90 – numbers which further highlight his excellent ability to disrupt the opposition’s flow.
His tally of 2.7 defensive contributions per 90 only reaffirms his superb ability without the ball – which no doubt will take the pressure off the Belgian to produce the goods out of possession.
The Roma star’s interest in a move to Old Trafford this summer will be good news for Carrick and INEOS as they look to complete their summer midfield overhaul.
However, a £42m fee will still need to be agreed to complete such a move – but it could prove to be a potential bargain if he can emulate his performances from the World Cup.
